Grow Through The Gospels - Mark 9

Read: Mark 9

Mark 9: 28-29 “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’”

Think

Have you ever wondered what hasn’t changed in your life because you haven’t prayed about it yet? Prayer is powerful because God, the most powerful agent of change, listens and responds to our prayers.

Consider the words from the 1885 hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, written by Joseph Scriven:

"Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer."

These words remind us of the peace and power we miss out on when we fail to pray.

In Mark 9, a desperate father brought his demon-oppressed son to Jesus for healing. The disciples tried to help, but couldn’t cast out the demon, even though they had been given authority over unclean spirits. As they struggled, religious leaders argued with them, making the situation more stressful and tragic. When Jesus arrived, he asked how long the boy had suffered. The father replied, “From childhood...if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus responded, “All things are possible for one who believes.” The father cried, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And Jesus healed the boy, demonstrating his power.

Why didn’t the disciples pray? Maybe they were distracted by the crowd, doubted their own abilities, or were discouraged by their initial failures. These are challenges we can relate to in our own prayer lives. But Jesus emphasized that prayer is essential: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Some things in our lives won’t change unless we humble ourselves, kneel, and earnestly seek God’s intervention.

So, what hasn’t changed in your life because you haven’t prayed about it yet? Remember, prayer is powerful because God is powerful. Let’s bring everything to him in prayer and trust in his ability to bring change.

Apply

What are some areas where you need God to move? Write them down and pray over them specifically. Approach him with faith, believing he can change any situation and circumstance.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I come to you with a heart full of faith and trust. I recognize that there are areas in my life that need your intervention. I ask for your help and guidance in these situations. Teach me to bring everything to you in prayer and trust your mighty power. Strengthen my faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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